Primary
The Pre-K and Kindergarten Program
The Pre-K and Kindergarten Program
The Prepared
Environment:
·
Provides an ordered environment which assists children’s minds
to become ordered.
·
Provides materials and environment that are safe to touch, feel
and move and explore.
·
Provides for child’s need of movement.
·
Provides a wealth of experience so that the child absorbs as
much as possible.
·
Allows child to express self, to talk with Guides and other
children as their needs and interest dictate.
·
Provides language experiences rich in vocabulary.
·
Provides lessons which enable a child to succeed, fostering a
sense of independence and high self-worth.
Practical Life
The exercises in Practical Life present the child with objects that are familiar to him: pitchers, cups, brooms, etc. They are based on the need to repeat simple exercises that develop concentration, coordination and attention to detail, while giving the child pleasure and success. The skills learned in this area will be necessary later on in every life as well as in academic areas such as writing, geography studies, mathematics and scientific reasoning.
The exercises in Practical Life present the child with objects that are familiar to him: pitchers, cups, brooms, etc. They are based on the need to repeat simple exercises that develop concentration, coordination and attention to detail, while giving the child pleasure and success. The skills learned in this area will be necessary later on in every life as well as in academic areas such as writing, geography studies, mathematics and scientific reasoning.
Sensorial
Dr. Maria Montessori developed a series of Sensorial
exercises in which each sense is isolated, providing the child opportunities to
explore and to experience the world using senses. The exercises develop the visual,
hearing, taste, smell and touch senses. Each exercise in these categories aids
in the development of basic concepts, such as long/short, big/small,
thick/thin, etc.
Language
The purpose of the language area in a Montessori environment
is to develop the skills of reading, wiring and communication. Different
exercises aid in the development of each of these skills. They fulfill the need
to express one’s thoughts and feelings, as well as the need to belong to a
group. Mastery of language skills gives the child the freedom to select topics
of interest and work at their own pace.
Mathematics
The mathematical mind begins developing with the Practical
Life and Sensorial exercises where children develop logical and sequential
thought. As with all the exercises in Montessori, Math is introduced using
concrete material. With the Number Rods, for example, the child learns the
concept of 1-10 which is then associated with the Sandpaper Numerals. As the
child progresses, the material becomes more abstract. In the primary level, the
decimal system, the numbers 1-1000, as well as the basic operations of
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, are presented.
Science
Science experiments and exercises are set up in the
classroom using safe and easy-to-use equipment. Some experiments are prepared
to be demonstrated to the children. Others are set up and kept on the shelves,
allowing the child to pursue independent work once the lesson has been
presented. The purpose of these experiments is to isolate and illustrate
specific scientific phenomena. They also provide a foundation for later study,
help to enrich the child’s vocabulary, and serve to enhance the child’s sense
of wonder.
Nature Study
As our own survival depends on the survival of the natural
world, it is important for the child to begin to have an appreciation of that
world. The Montessori environment extends to the natural world. Plants and
animals are present in the classroom for the children to observe and care for.
Children are encouraged to bring to the class items found in nature. A large
array of language cards are available in the classroom showing types of
animals, plants, flowers, trees, rocks, minerals, seashells, fossils, leaves,
etc. The Botany Cabinet, similar in construction to the Geometric Cabinet,
allows children to explore the various leaf shapes. Field trips provide endless
avenues of exploration of the natural world. Nature Study is woven into studies
of language, art, music, geography and history on a regular basis.
History
History lessons are presented to children in ways that
allow them to see how history is a part of their own lives, beginning with
their own personal history and moving on to histories of their communities and
the world. Children explore history through photographs, stories, sets of cards
depicting various categories of items from prehistorical times to the present,
and the making of time lines. Field trips to museums and historical paces also
provide rich experiences to the children in relating the story of the world.
Geography
Geography is presented to the children in a Montessori
environment as two separate yet connected groups of exercises. The world is
presented in the study of physical geography in terms of land and water
formations. It is also presented in the study of political geography in terms
of the continents and nations. Extended exercises in each area allow the child
to experience and view the world from both angles. Land and water forms allow
the child to physically make a lake, island, cape, bay, isthmus, strait,
peninsula and gulf. Puzzle maps of the world and of continents allow the child
to experience the divisions of land into countries.
Music
As in all areas of the Montessori classroom, Music is
presented so that the child experiences it in a physical sense. In addition to
singing and listening to music, children experience music through their senses,
feeling the rhythm of their own heart beats, clapping, dancing, moving and
manipulating rhythm instruments. Music of all types and form all cultures are presented
to the children.
A series of bells in pairs from middle C to high C are
provided to children in the Montessori environment in order for them to be able
to discriminate musical sounds, match notes and create simple tunes. Using the
solfedge system, children learn to differentiate the sounds of the various and
different pitches.
Drama and Art
Drama in the Montessori environment takes the form of
exploration of movement and self-expression. It is presented in the telling of
poems and stories through movement and music making.
As art is an integral and crucial part of any culture, it
is also important part of the Montessori environment. Children are given access
to art materials to express themselves artistically and explore different
media. They are also presented the history of art and art of other cultures
through pictures and actual artifacts.
